MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis has left the community in mourning after a gunman opened fire, killing two children and injuring at least 17 others on August 27th. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, then took their own life.
Robin Westman, a 23-year-old transgender woman previously known as Robert Westman, had legally changed his name in Dakota County at the age of 17. The change was finalized in January 2020, reflecting his belief that he was a woman.
Hours before the attack, Westman posted disturbing videos on YouTube, including a manifesto. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that one video showcased Westman flipping through a handwritten document, revealing years of suicidal thoughts and a desire to harm others. The writings also expressed admiration for previous mass shootings.
The manifesto, filled with incoherent scribbles and Cyrillic script, detailed Westman’s long-standing thoughts about mass murder. It also revealed plans to target the Annunciation Catholic School, where Westman’s mother had worked until her retirement in 2021.
The writings chillingly outlined a strategy to attack children during recess, followed by further violence inside the school. Westman’s journal also contained anti-Semitic rhetoric and musings about racially motivated attacks.
In another video, Westman displayed an arsenal of weapons, including a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun. The ammunition bore messages like “for the children”, “Kill Donald Trump”, and “6 million wasn’t enough,” referencing Holocaust victims.
Westman’s writings and videos also expressed violent fantasies against political figures and ethnic groups, revealing a twisted motive centered on causing maximum harm to innocent civilians.
The incident has left the community grappling with shock and grief as authorities continue to investigate the motives behind this senseless act of violence.